EXAG'GERATE, verb transitive [Latin exaggero; ex and aggero, to heap, from agger, a heap.] 1. To heap on; to accumulate. In this literal sense, it is seldom used; perhaps never. 2. To highthen; to enlarge beyond the truth; to amplify; to represent as greater than strict truth will warrant. A friend exaggerates a man's virtues; a enemy exaggerates his vices or faults. 3. In painting, to highthen in coloring or design.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI